• You do not need a visa or residence permit.

Staying less than 90 days?

You do not need a visa or residence permit. 

Staying longer than 90 days?

You will need a residence permit only. You do not need an entry visa (MVV), which means you do not need to visit a Dutch embassy before travelling to the Netherlands. See: Steps to take - residence permit only.

Exceptions:

• Do you have a student residence permit from another EU country (except Denmark and Ireland)? You might not need a Dutch residence permit as you may be eligible for Intra EU Mobility. Find out if this applies to you and the steps to take. 
• Incoming exchange students from Australia, Canada or New Zealand can in some cases apply for a Working Holiday Permit (WHP). Find out if this applies to you and the steps to take. 

Staying less than 90 days?

A short-stay Schengen visa might be required. Check on the immigration department (IND) website if this applies to you.  

Staying longer than 90 days?

You will need an entry visa (MVV) and residence permit. See: Steps to take - visa and residence permit.

Exceptions: 

• Do you have a student residence permit from another EU country (except Denmark and Ireland)? You might not need a Dutch visa/residence permit as you may be eligible for Intra EU Mobility. Find out if this applies to you and the steps to take. 
• Do you have another EU, EEA or Swiss residence permit? Other procedures may apply. Contact Leiden University for instructions.

Dutch student residence permit obtained via another educational institution? 

• Will your permit remain valid for at least the first 3 months of your studies with us? Leiden University will report a transfer of your place of study to the IND.
• Will your permit expire within 3 months of the start of your studies with us? You must request an extension of your permit.
• In both cases see: Steps to take - Dutch permit holders

Dutch residence permit issued for a purpose other than study (e.g. employment, orientation year, family)?

• Will your permit expire within 3 months of you starting you studies? Follow the Steps to take - Dutch permit holders.
• Will your permit remain valid longer than 3 months? You can start your studies without requesting a new permit. However, you must take the following steps:
  • Send a copy of both sides of your residence permit to Leiden University via the contact form, for verification purposes.
  • If your permit will expire during your studies, contact Leiden University to request a student residence permit at least 3 months before the expiry date.  

Already studying at Leiden University and need to extend your student residence permit? 

Other procedures and deadlines apply. Visit the student website for information on extending your stay.